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Monday, April 11, 2011

As a blogger, I gain exposure to a wide variety of products and innovations to share with my readers.

Sorting through my inbox is always an adventure:

sometimes predictable

occasionally shocking

often exciting

sporadically humorous

always appreciated.

Every now and then, I have the good fortune to be entrusted with a very special project. This is one of them.

Etienne Perret

Although I enjoy exploring all manner of new product innovations, items to pamper we mothers, as well as helpful and cherished things for the home and family, my true passion is promoting for artists.

I envy their talent I admire their creations I adore diving into their pieces and experiencing their inspirations.I must admit, I have hesitating in diving in to this project, simply because I doubted my ability to adequately convey the passion and vision in this work.When I opened the initial communication, I was stunned. Beyond stunned, truly...

It is the feeling and physical reaction one experiences when they know they are seeing something absolutely beyond compare. your heart stops, for just a moment and you emit, not quite a sound, but what might be called a gasp,

if you only had enough energy to commit.

Black Gem Ceramic Band

Etienne Perret, the designer jeweler of Camden, Maine USA, has grown
beyond the borders of his town and state, and is reaching the world over
to supply some of the finest retailers with his unique vision of
colored diamond, gold and platinum jewelry.

Etienne's extraordinary work has been recognized enumerable times, including receiving the Diamonds of Distinction award twice, as well as twice being a finalist in the Diamonds International Design competition. His stunning and avant-garde work in bridal design, with natural color enhanced diamonds, as well as in fashion jewelry is renown and has been featured in numerous industry publications.

Engagement Ring Collection

“For
the last 35 years, I’ve had the incredible good fortune to be able to
live on the coast of Maine, making my beautiful jewelry designs for
discriminating customers from around the world. Working with just the
best of materials, 18kt gold and platinum, set with colored diamonds
and Tahitian pearls, my experience allows me to turn jewelry dreams
into reality. I encourage you to participate in creating a precious
heirloom that will last you a lifetime.”

Wedding & Commitment Band Collection

Pearl Design Collection

“I have based my
career on the idea that fine jewelry should be designed to compliment a
woman’s form–not just beautiful but wearable. It must fit like a glove
and never compromise comfort. It is my greatest joy and honor as an
artist when a couple chooses to symbolize their love and commitment
with one of my designs. It is my goal to remind you that an exceptional
piece of jewelry should not be seen as a discretionary purchase. In
fact, if chosen carefully, it is nothing less than an extension of
one’s self…a well designed jewel can become as much a part of a
woman’s entity as her flowing hair or graceful gait, and therefore,
surely not something to be sacrificed!”

Pearl Design Collection

Etienne flawlessly marries his Swiss heritage, European influence with his genius in American fashion in his work, delighting us innovative designs. Always seeking a new source of expression, Etienne now graces us with his phenomenal work with Gem Ceramic design, which he presents as "extremely durable, stylish & unique alternative to precious metal jewelry, at a fraction of the cost".

From the Ceramic Wedding & Commitment Band Collection ~

White Ceramic Gold Ribbed Wedding Band

Black Beveled Diamond Ceramic Wedding Band

White Ceramic Multi Colored Diamond Wedding Band

I was intrigued to learn about the Etienne's use of ceramic and discovered, not only does it lend to the uniqueness of his work, but is an eco-friendly and affordable alternative to precious metals. Etienne specifically works with zirconia ceramic which is conscientiously sourced from Australian zircon sands. Comparable to the hardness of sapphire, zirconia ceramic is extremely durable, as well as essentially scratch and shatter proof.

From the Ceramic Engagement Band Collection ~

Low Halo Diamond Ring with Black Gem Ceramic Band Bridal Combo

White Ceramic with Blue Diamond Engagement Band

White Ceramic with Pink Diamond Engagement Band

High Halo Band with Orange Diamond

Working with zirconia ceramic allows Etienne a tremendous amount of versatility in his new line, providing a wonderful outlet for his innovative creativity.

The ceramic designs are available in black, white, pink, blue, brown with some designs also offering grey as an option. Finishes vary from polished to matte, with some designs incorporating both.

From the Ceramic Fashion Collection ~

Black Ceramic Platinum Diamond Wedge

The
advantages of owning pieces made of zirconia ceramic are endless.
Beyond the tremendous eco-friendly factor, ceramic jewelry is notably
lighter than pieces created in precious metals which lends to the
wearer's comfort, making them an ideal piece for regular wear.

Blue Grey Ceramic Band with Tahitian Pearl

Etienne
offers bands in a wide range of widths, from 2 - 18 mm and offers full
guarantee on all his gem ceramic designs. As well, the versatile gem
ceramic line can be laser engraved on either the inside or outside of
the piece, making it a perfect gifting option for any special occasion.

Ceramic Bands with Tahitian and Philippine Golden South Sea Pearls

Matte Black Ceramic with varied inlaid polka dots

While the rings are hand crafted in the size of your choice, due to the nature of the design, they are not re-sizable. Customers who have sizing issues are invited to contact Etienne personally for alternative arrangements.

Etienne has graciously offered an opportunity for one of my readers to win a Black Ceramic Concave Band, 10mm, in winner's choice of size, retail value $160 (pictured below). On a personal note, I am exceptionally honored to be given the opportunity to host this event for my readers.

This giveaway is open world wide to those 18+ and will be conclude on Saturday, May 21st, 2011 at midnight, EST. The winner will be selected randomly from all eligible entries and will be notified by email. The winner will have 72 hours to respond before I must move on to a runner up. Please leave your email address in your entry, in anti spam format, if it is not available via your comment name, so I may contact you if you are the winner.

***Mandatory Entry***

To be eligible to enter, all entrants must follow That's What She Said via Google Friend Connect (mid right sidebar). For mandatory entry, please sign up for the Etienne Perret newsletter.Leave a comment below, letting me know you have signed up and including the email address you used, in anti-spam format.

* "Like" Etienne's business Facebook page and tell me in a comment that you did, including your Facebook name, 3 entries.

* "Like" my facebook page, link found mid right sidebar, leave a comment here with your facebook name, 3 entries.* Tell me in a comment what you most appreciate of the qualities of ceramic jewelry, 2 entries.

* Tweet about this giveaway, including direct link and @tsue1136 and @etienneperret in your tweet, limit 3 tweets per day, 3 entries per tweet. Do leave the link to your tweet in your comment.

* Share this giveaway in some other fashion ~ anything goes ~ whether by blogging, stumbling, technorati, on facebook, adding to a giveaway linky. Leave a link to your sharing in your comment, 3 entries per sharing method. Handy sharing button at the bottom of this post.* Enter any of my other active giveaways, leave a comment letting me know which, 2 entries per additional giveaway.

This giveaway is closed. On behalf of Etienne Perret Jewelry and That's What She Said, thank you for following and participating! The winner has been emailed and will be announced soon!

The opinions expressed above are both honest and my own. Images and information supplied by Etienne and Michael Perret, as well as sourced from various Etienne Perret sites. I will receive a simple ceramic band in exchange for creating this feature. Giveaway prize supplied and shipped by Etienne Perret.

I visited their jewelry web site and I like all of them but I think the elegance of the high halo band with a pink diamond would be my favorite. It catches the eye for me. Rita Spratlen rj_angel_house@yahoo.com

I follow That's What She Said via GFCI signed up for the Etienne Perret newsletterchocho1957 at hotmail dot comnot sure what anti-spam format is... seen several others did it this way so I hope it's right.

I visited Gem Ceramic by Etienne Perret and I really like the oreo ribbed ceramic ring, that ring is so pretty. I like several of them but this one is speical, im not sure why it caught my eye except to say it's Beautiful.chocho1957@hotmail.com

I visited Gem Ceramic by Etienne Perret and I really like the oreo ribbed ceramic ring, that ring is so pretty. I like several of them but this one is speical, im not sure why it caught my eye except to say it's Beautiful.chocho1957@hotmail.com

I visited Gem Ceramic by Etienne Perret and I really like the oreo ribbed ceramic ring, that ring is so pretty. I like several of them but this one is speical, im not sure why it caught my eye... it's a Beautiful Ring.chocho1957@hotmail.com